Explore Nursing Programs

Nurses can choose from several different education paths to start their careers. These include diploma programs as well as associate and bachelor's degrees. While nursing has traditionally been studied on-campus, advances in technology have allowed many nursing schools to take their programs to the virtual world. Some of the education credentials you can now pursue online include:

Nursing Diploma

Associate of Science in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing

In addition, some schools offer certificate programs that allow you to specialize in a specific area such as gerontology or administration.

If you want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, a diploma or associate degree program may allow you to complete your education in two years or less. However, if you invest more time, a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing could lead to greater employment opportunities and increased income potential.

Can you pursue a nursing degree entirely online?

The answer to that depends largely on your previous experience in the field. Current registered nurses who are returning to school to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree may be able to complete their education without setting foot in a classroom.

Those who are brand new to the field will mostly likely have clinical requirements that can only be completed in-person. When you register for an online nursing diploma or degree program, be sure to inquire into the clinical requirements and ask how the school helps students fulfill them.

Fortunately, many nursing schools offer hybrid programs that allow you to complete the majority of your coursework online. Then, clinical classes are scheduled at one of the school's campuses.

Choosing the right nursing school

With so many nursing programs available to nursing students, you can choose one that fits your schedule and learning style.

When selecting an online nursing program, check the type of classes offered. Will you be able to complete class work on your own schedule or must you log-in at specific times to take part in classroom discussions and lectures?

In addition, if you are applying for a nursing scholarship from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, be sure the school you select has the proper accreditation.

Whether you want the convenience of learning online or prefer a traditional campus setting, you can find a program that works for you. Start your research by requesting program information from some of the nursing schools listed below.

Those in the know understand that being a "nurse" can mean many things. The nursing profession is broken up into a handful of levels and specializations — each with different responsibilities, and in turn, salaries. In order to move up the ladder (and the pay scale), many nurses return to school to work toward a specific career transition. No matter if you’re an LPN wanting to be an RN, or an RN looking for that MSN title, nursing programs are available to get you there — learn about them here.

One of the best parts about a career in nursing is the opportunities for advancement. Nurses are needed at all levels, from entry-level caregivers who focus on patient comfort and hygiene to advanced practitioners who diagnose and treat medical conditions.Nursing degree programs at many schools are designed to help you move from one level of nursing to another. These so-called bridge programs can help nurses pursue the next degree on the nursing ladder and move into more advanced positions. Many bridge programs are designed for working nurses who already have clinical experience, and a number of these programs offer fully online options.

At the entry-level in nursing, certified nurse assistants are trained to monitor vital signs and help patients eat, dress or bath. Training programs can last anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months, depending on your program, and nurse assistants must typically pass a state exam.

Licensed practical nurses, or licensed vocational nurses, are licensed nurses who have completed a training program that lasts about one year and passed the NCLEX-PN. LPNs perform basic nursing functions such as inserting catheters or starting IVs.

At the next level, registered nurses perform a wide variety of nursing functions, including assisting with diagnostic tests, recording medical histories and providing patient education. Registered nurses typically need either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and must pass the NCLEX-RN. Nurses with a BSN generally have more career opportunities, and a number of bridge programs exist to help nurses move between the LPN, ADN and BSN levels.

Registered nurses can go on to pursue a master's of science in nursing (MSN). With an MSN, you can qualify to become an advanced practice nurse such as a nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. Advanced practice nurses operate with more autonomy than registered nurses and can prescribe medication in most states. RN to MSN bridge programs are available for working RNs who want to take the next step in the nursing career ladder.

Finally, a doctor of nursing practice, or DNP, degree is available. The DNP degree may be required for nurse educators and researchers, and increasingly, advanced practice nurses are opting to pursue a clinical DNP degree. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has recommended that all new advanced practice nurses have a doctoral degree by 2015.

Whether you're starting on the nursing ladder at the entry level or looking to move to a higher rung, a career in nursing can offer a range of opportunities.

Advanced Nursing Degrees at Nova Southeastern University – Offered Online!! Secure your career Change healthcare. Choose the best nursing program for you New technologies, New nursing responsibilities, New healthcare policies. There have been so many rapid changes within the healthcare field in recent years. The focus on evidence-based care is apparent. For instance, as of 2013, the American Nurses Association (ANA) requires 100% of nursing managers to hold a B.S.N. or higher to even qualify for their “Magnet” hospital designation.

The Institute of Medicine’s “Vison 2020” recommends all clinical nurses hold a B.S.N., and the ACN backs their recommendation. This means that top healthcare organizations aren’t considering hiring clinical nurses without at least the B.S.N. credential. Advanced nursing roles call for a master’s or doctorate-level degree. Like many things over time, the nursing industry has expanded beyond the skills and knowledge an R.N. credential alone provides. To maintain a lifelong nursing career, or to work in one of the many new nursing positions, you need an advanced nursing degree.Nursing Degree Options.If you’re wondering what program is best for you, think about the responsibilities you enjoy as a nurse as well as what you’re naturally interested in learning.

Northcentral University was founded in 1996 to provide working professionals around the world with unprecedented access to richly engaging, professionally relevant, and academically-rigorous education from a U.S. university.

As a regionally accredited, private, online and graduate-focused university, NCU offers doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business, technology management, education, and psychology, as well as doctoral and master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy.

With the intentional structuring of the curricula in the caring science based upon the work of nurse theorist Dr. Jean Watson, our faculty are here to support you on your journey to academic and professional success, and inspire you to BE COMPASSIONATE as you provide nursing care to patients and their families. The Nevada State College School of Nursing Bachelor of Science in nursing program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Building on Purdue's mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Globaldelivers a fully personalized online experience that's tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from a prestigious university system—completely online.

Founded in 1946 by Mr. R.G. LeTourneau, LeTourneau University is private, nondenominational Christian university offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the College of Engineering, Business and Technology; the College of Aviation & Aeronautical Science; the College of College of Education, Arts and Sciences; and the College of Health Sciences & Professional Studies. In addition to its residential campus in Longview, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs online, allowing you to earn your degree without having to relocate. LeTourneau strives to engage learners, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and to serve the local and global community. LeTourneau University has also recently been ranked one of the top 100 Online Colleges for 2017 by TheBestSchools.org.

Chamberlain’s RN to BSN option offers convenient 100% online coursework, no mandatory login times and no campus visits. This flexible framework allows you to continue in your current role while you pursue your degree. And, because the curriculum is developed and taught by RNs who are also educators, you know you are learning what you need to push your skills forward now – and in the future.